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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to become a Recruit Company Mentor?

Look for the solicitation ALCOAST message that is released each fall (September/October). There will be a link to the Mentor section of our website, which will
direct you to most Current version of the Mentor Guide.

Are Mentor applications accepted continually throughout the year?

No. Mentor applications are only accepted in response to the ALCOAST up to the
deadline listed in the message. In order to keep the application process fair to all, no
applications will be accepted after the deadline has passed

How and when will I be notified of the selection results?

All applicants will be notified by the Battalion Officer via e-mail regardless of selection
status (i.e. Selected, Alternate, Not Selected) prior to the Christmas Holiday once the
final mentor list has been certified by the Commanding Officer.

Are travel expenses for the Company Mentor Program funded by TRACEN
Cape May?

No. All travel related expenses should be funded by the unit or individual. The only
exception to this is the CG-wide Leadership Award winners (i.e. Munro, Jarvis,
Witherspoon, McShan, EPOY). Travel expenses for these individuals are funded
by HQ. Although we do not fund travel, we do reserve a room in the UPH on base for
each mentor to help defray lodging expenses. We highly recommend that you consult
with your command prior to applying to ensure they will support your travel and
time away from the unit to meet the obligations of the mentor program.

Who is eligible to apply to become a Recruit Company Mentor?

A. The requirements to become a company mentor are as follows:
i Enlisted: E7 and above
ii Officer: CWO2-4, O3 and above
B. Being above the cut for E7 or selected but not promoted to O3 does not
qualify.
C. All O3 and below are required to submit a Command Endorsement with
the application. This should address the applicant's ability to mentor and lead
the recruits, and should indicate past and current demonstrated exceptional
leadership performance, as well as command support for participation in the
program (i.e. time away from unit, funding for travel etc.). Officers selected but not
promoted to O4 are required to submit an endorsement.

How much time will I be required to obligate during the Mentor Process?

We reserve two hours of dedicated one-on-one time between you and the recruits for
each visit. There are also additional opportunities to interact more with your company
throughout training if you choose; you should consult with the Lead Company
Commander for specifics regarding those opportunities. At a minimum, you should
anticipate obligating travel days before and after the day of your visit, unless your unit is
close enough to drive. The graduation visit also includes some activities the evening
before, so you should plan to arrive by early Thursday afternoon.

I was not selected during this year's application process; do I need to re-apply
next year?

Yes, if you were not selected during the application process for a given year you must
re-apply per the ALCOAST that is released any subsequent year. This also applies to
applicants who were selected as an Alternate, but did not serve as a mentor in the year
of selection to the Alternate list.

I have applied multiple times to be a mentor, and have not been selected. What
can I do to improve my chances of selection?

The mentor program is highly competitive with most years having around 130 applicants
for an average of 35 spots. Do not take non-selection personally, there are just not
enough spots for the number of highly qualified applicants we have. We do give extra
consideration for members who have applied multiple times, so please keep applying! The
best way to strengthen your application is by including examples that demonstrate strong
leadership & mentoring. Your reasons for mentoring are also a key part of the
application/selection process. Please remember that mentoring is all about benefiting the
Recruits - not mentors or units.

What is the prescribed uniform for Mentor visits?

We leave the uniform choice up to you, and trust that you will represent the CG well in
your appearance and grooming. However, most mentors will wear Tropical Blue or Service
Dress Blue (depending on the season) for the first visit, ODU for the second visit and for
the pizza party on Thursday evening before graduation. The uniform for graduation is
Tropical Blue or Service Dress Blue (depending on the season).

Will I be given any information about the company I am mentoring prior to
my visits?

Yes, you will be sent a 'read ahead' at least one week prior to each of your visits. This
includes background information on the members of the company, and lets you know
what they have been doing. Prior to your week 5 visit we will send you a list of the
company orders (a hard copy will also be available when you arrive). This should help
you prepare for the types of unit-related questions you will get during that visit.